What’s New and What’s to Come at Walt Disney World

Just when you think your client has “been there and done that” at Disney, the theme park behemoth evolves to entice them back and give you more reasons to sell. Here’s a brief roundup of what’s new at Walt Disney World and what’s coming down the pike.

Epcot
“Epcot Forever” is the new nighttime spectacular over World Showcase Lagoon that took the place of the long-running Illuminations. Like its predecessor, the show features soaring fireworks and lasers that dance above the water to an orchestral soundtrack. The show will run into 2020, when it is replaced with a new show called “Harmonious.”

The Epcot Experience is a new 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling, in-depth look at the historic transformation underway across the park. Located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion, a 12-minute film captures all of the new experiences coming to the park.

Takumi-Tei is a new table service restaurant in the Japan pavilion serving wagyu beef, sushi, sashimi, premium sake, and more.

A new Green Mission has been added to Mission Space, giving guests a virtual tour around Earth, while an updated Orange Mission heads to Mars.

Hollywood Studios
Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land that explores Batuu, a remote planet on the galaxy’s Outer Rim, is anchored by the two epic attractions of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, located on Sunset Boulevard, invites guests to a high-tech show that features all the characters from the Disney film, “Cars.”

Magic Kingdom
A new nighttime spectacular, above Cinderella’s Castle and called “Happily Ever After,” includes fireworks paired with a musical journey through the stories of Disney characters who have overcome obstacles chasing their dreams.

Hotels, transportation, and more
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is fresh out of a major renovation that includes a new 15-story tower that brings the total number of guestrooms at the Spanish-themed property to 2,385.

Disney Skyliner is a new complimentary gondola system that connects Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four Disney resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.

What’s Coming Next

Epcot
The biggest transformation of a park in Disney’s history is underway here, as four new neighborhoods are being developed: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. Some highlights include the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins in the United Kingdom pavilion and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in the France pavilion.

Hollywood Studios
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first ride-through attraction in any Disney park themed around Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, will open in spring 2020. Guests will burst through the Chinese Theatre movie screen to begin an adventure with the iconic characters.

A rodeo-themed table service restaurant, featuring barbecue grub, is coming to Toy Story Land.

Resort hotels
Disney’s Riviera Resort is a new Disney Vacation club property opening on Dec. 16, 2019, offering 300 family-friendly vacation homes. The resort is designed in early 20^th-century elegance with a European and Mediterranean flair.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a land-based “ship” hotel that will offer guests a two-night vacation experience in a galaxy far, far away.

Magic Kingdom
A TRON-themed attraction, based on the popular movie franchise, will be added to Tomorrowland in a new area near Space Mountain. The coaster-style attraction will take guests on a thrilling race aboard their own lightcycle.

Disney Springs
An original new Cirque de Soleil show will debut in April 2020 that pays homage to Disney’s history of animation. Also on the horizon is a new Ron Jon Surf Shop, and a sports bar and grill called City Works Eatery and Pour House.